President Peres: "We have to pray together for the end of the terrible bloodshed in our region,
and make the region a place where people walk together hand in hand."
"On September 8th, 1943 the Germans occupied Assisi. Assisi, headed by its local Bishop and his friars, used their monastery as a shelter to save Jewish refugees. Thank you from the depth of our hearts."
The mayor of Assisi: "The city of Assisi sees in you, Shimon Peres, as a promoter of the values of peace and dialogue"The President of the State of Israel, Shimon Peres, received the "Honorary Citizenship of Peace" of the city of Assisi, the symbol of peace in Italy, at a ceremony which was attended by the Mayor of Assisi, dignitaries and hundreds Franciscan friars. During the ceremony President Peres received the unique award and the key to the city of Assisi for the first time in history. Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, was filled with thousands of tourists, Franciscan choirs, dancing troupes and more.
The Mayor of Assis, Mr. Claudio Ricci, who presented President Peres with the award, delivered a speech which included the considerations for presenting the award. During the speech he explained that President Peres was the first to receive the Honorary Citizenship of Peace of Assisi, a city which prides itself on its place in history as a place of peace and tolerance. Mr. Ricci to President Peres that, "The city of Assisi sees in you, Shimon Peres, as a promoter of the values of peace and dialogue. We know that peace is complicated, that it is not easy to achieve but peace is a way of life, a fulfillment of hope and you, Mr. President, are an exemplary role model."
President Peres thanked his hosts for the award and called for cooperation between faiths for the sake of peace, "We have to pray together for the end of the terrible bloodshed in our region, and make the region a place where “people walk together hand in hand". I believe that the religious leaders of all faiths can contribute greatly to peace. To put an end to violence and destitution. The Holy Francis preferred a cloak made of simple fabric, sandals, a rope rather than a belt. To be modest is a great message to persons who want to dedicate themselves to public life: Better serve than rule. He called to: love faith; to love the poor; to pursue peace; to respect your environment. These calls are as relevant today, as they were in 1208, when the Order was founded. Saint Francis travelled in 1219 to Egypt and the Holy Land to call for a dialogue and reject violence. It is as necessary today, as it was then."
President Peres also used his speech to thank the city of Assisi, on behalf of the Jewish people, for their actions which saved Jewish lives during the Second World War. The Convento Di San Damiano transformed Assisi into a refugee for Jews and over 300 Jews were saved in the city. and said, "I am carrying with me the profound thanks of my people to the people of Assisi. We shall never forget your unusual effort to save Jewish life. On September 8th, 1943 the Germans occupied Assisi. Until then there were no Jews in Assisi. But after the German occupation, Assisi, headed by its local Bishop and his friars, used their monastery as a shelter to save Jewish refugees. 300 Jewish refugees were saved. And in addition, old and sick women and children, that ran away from Liguria and Toscana, were brought here to find a shelter. The friars risked their lives to save the lives of others. Four of them were chosen to become Righteous Among Nations. Thank you from the depth of our hearts."
Before the beginning of the event an emotional moment took place when President Peres and the Bishop offered a prayer together in Hebrew.
